Preventing sunburn and staying safe in teh water are key when living life during the summer in the Pensacola area.

When temperatures start rising on the Gulf Coast, we pack our bags and head to the beach or to the river for a day of fun in the sun.

Regardless of how often you sink your toes in the sand, it’s always important to put water safety at the top of your mind. Here are some tips to stay safe while enjoying your time on the water:

• The best way to treat a sunburn is to prevent one. Avoid the midday sun, wear hats and clothing that protect you from UV rays. Not all clothing will block UV rays so check labels. Use sunscreen of at least SPF 15 or higher and one that offers broad spectrum coverage (ultraviolet A and B rays). Our eyes can also be damaged from the sun, so remember to wear sunglasses that offer UV protection.

• Watch out for sunburns on cloudy days — just because the sun is hidden behind the clouds doesn’t mean that the damaging UV rays aren’t reaching your skin. Most sunburns can be treated with cool compresses, NSAID’s like ibuprofen, and over-the-counter preparations containing aloe.

• Always go to designated swimming locations and swim where you can see the bottom. Never jump into an unknown area. Check flag warnings before getting in the water and swim in locations where lifeguards are present. Protect your feet with firm-sole shoes to avoid cuts and other injuries from litter and possible burns from very hot sand.

• Avoid the water when purple flags are flying that alert swimmers of the presence of dangerous marine life, including jellyfish. Most jellyfish stings can be treated at home — tentacles can be removed using a flat object like a credit card — don’t use your hands or you’ll get more stings! — and then rinse with seawater, vinegar or baking soda paste followed by a soaking the area in hot water to relieve pain.

Keep yourself hydrated this summer. When spending time in the sun, remember to take frequent breaks to cool off.

• Watch for warning signs of heatstroke and heat exhaustion such as, chills, rapid heart rate, warm dry skin (lack of sweating despite the heat), dizziness, disorientation, and fainting. If you think someone has heatstroke, get them to a cool area immediately and call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Most beach days end with nothing more than a sunburn that can be fixed with a little aloe vera, but should the need arise, Santa Rosa Walk-In Care is open seven days a week for minor illnesses and injuries. Give us a call at 994-0431.